Carter Conlon emphasizes the urgent need for readiness and vigilance as Jesus Christ will return unexpectedly, just as in the days of Noah when people were unaware of the impending judgment.
This sermon delves into the signs of Jesus' second coming and the end of the age, drawing parallels to the days of Noah where people were preoccupied with everyday activities, unaware of the impending judgment. The message emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant, as the return of the Son of Man will come unexpectedly, separating those who are ready from those who are not.
Full Transcript
When will these things be and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? What, what, what will show us? What will it be about society, about the world? What, what will the conditions be? What can we look forward to in a sense that will tell us that you are coming soon? Matthew chapter 24 beginning at verse 37. Now in answer to this question, what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the son of man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered the ark.
Now, now please eating and drinking and marrying and giving in marriage is not an evil thing. Really what he's, he's really speaking here is that society will just be carrying on as if there's a thousand years ahead of them. People will be completely, most people will be completely unaware of the day that they're living in.
They will not know that the end of all things has come upon them. And they did not know verse 39 until the flood came and took them all away. So also will the coming of the son of man be.
Then two men will be in the field. One will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill.
One will be taken and the other left watch. Therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming, but know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore, you also be ready for the son of man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.
Be ready, be ready. Jesus Christ is coming for his church at a time when many, many people are not going to be aware of it, not going to be ready for it.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Question about the sign of Jesus' coming and end of the age
- Reference to the days of Noah as a parallel
- Explanation of societal normalcy despite impending judgment
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II
- Description of people unaware of the coming flood
- Illustration of two men and two women with one taken and one left
- Warning to watch and be ready
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III
- Emphasis on the unknown hour of Jesus' return
- Comparison to a thief coming unexpectedly
- Call to readiness for the coming of the Son of Man
Key Quotes
“As in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered the ark.” — Carter Conlon
“People will be completely, most people will be completely unaware of the day that they're living in.” — Carter Conlon
“Be ready, be ready. Jesus Christ is coming for his church at a time when many, many people are not going to be aware of it, not going to be ready for it.” — Carter Conlon
Application Points
- Live each day with the awareness that Jesus could return at any moment.
- Cultivate spiritual readiness through prayer, obedience, and faith.
- Encourage others to be vigilant and prepared for Christ’s coming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'as the days of Noah'?
Jesus means that just as people were living normal lives unaware of the flood, many will be unaware of His return until it happens suddenly.
Why is readiness important according to this sermon?
Readiness is crucial because Jesus will come at an unexpected hour, and being prepared ensures we are not caught off guard.
What does 'one will be taken and the other left' signify?
It signifies the separation at Jesus' return between those who are ready and taken to be with Him and those who are not.
Is living normally wrong according to the sermon?
No, living normally like eating and marrying is not wrong; the issue is being unaware and unprepared for the coming judgment.
